Project R-14094

HoP_HoVer: Towards an advantage for timber construction through the development of high-performance timber structures using new structural connection solutions (Research)

The aim of the VLAIO-funded TETRA project HoP_HoVer was to provide the wider timber construction sector, and particularly design and engineering offices, with new insights into the mechanical behaviour of timber structures and, in particular, their structural connections. In doing so, the project contributes to designing and building with timber in a more efficient, safer and more circular way. The project, carried out as a collaboration between the CERG research group (Faculty of Engineering Technology) at UHasselt and WOOD.BE, translates knowledge - partly developed within both research centres through experimental testing - into construction practice through study days and a demonstrator structure. This demonstrator structure consisted of a large-scale hybrid timber construction in which various connection types and bracing systems were implemented. The selection of connection types was aligned with the project's advisory group and included bolt/threaded-rod connections, staples, screws and glued joints. The structure was equipped with more than 150 deformation and force sensors, allowing the overall force transfer (distribution and redistribution) to be mapped when the structure was subjected to different load combinations. The insights obtained were disseminated to the broad target audience, including during a well-attended study afternoon with 75 participants from 36 different companies and organisations. The project was also integrated into education through 19 bachelor's and master's theses and two courses related to the design of timber structures. An overview can be found on the project website www.hophover.be, where the study material related to the project is also available. The project was made possible thanks to the support of Fedustria, Buildwise, and 12 companies from the timber construction, analysis software and engineering sectors.

01 October 2023 - 30 September 2025